Chapter 9: Transition
Area B is renowned throughout the Tianhe Star as a wealthy district, yet the villa complex of the Gu family stands out as the most dazzling gem in the entire Area B
It should be said that Leng Jianchuan's position is quite awkward. Although he is nominally the highest commander of the An'en dispatched team, even his closest friends understand who the true highest commander is. He can only place himself in the position of Lin Gulan's staff officer
She calmly issued commands, and soon her advantages in networking became apparent. If it had been someone else, they might have already succumbed to the immense pressure. But she is Lin Gulan, backed by the entire 47th Fleet and standing alongside Major General Lin Chaofeng
Benyina, as Lin Gulan's advisor, is quite competent: "We have already traversed several wild star regions. If we proceed at full speed, we can reach the jump point in four hours. After twelve hours of continuous jumps, we will be able to enjoy tea on the outskirts of the Anen star system..."
The information coming in from various aspects gradually eased everyone's minds, but only Yan Qingfeng and a few others noticed that Lin Gulan's pressure was increasing.
After comprehensively considering their opinions, Ling Gulan immediately made a decision: "I understand everyone's views. For the time being, we will search for the remaining enemies near Milan Ke, and I will take full responsibility for everything"
The three-dimensional star map is transformed into the image of Captain Zhang Xin of the Fish Intestine Number: "My suggestion is to proceed according to orders, but there must be a clear command before the jump"
The frigate Iron Guard has completed the evacuation of all personnel. Captain Bai Zhi died here in battle
Lin Gulan's words sparked waves of cheers, although the applause was limited to a few high-ranking officers, the enthusiasm of everyone was no less than that of a few hours ago during the magnificent victory of He Tushu.
He is rather cunning, as he is determined to carry out orders while also unwilling to send thousands of soldiers to a meaningless battlefield without purpose
Ling Gulan's command exuded an undeniable authority: "If the Fourth Fleet seeks trouble, let it come to me. I love you all so much, my Tian Shi warriors, my comrades and brothers and sisters!"
As the highest commander of the dispatched team in practical terms, Lin Gulan did not issue direct orders: "I want to hear your opinions! However, I will never sacrifice you! Every life of a Tian Shi person holds infinite value; you are all my most trusted comrades"
Let me sign the order! Major Leng Jianchuan voluntarily requested to take responsibility: "After all, I am the highest commander of the dispatch team"
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"Just eight hours ago, which was one hour before you contacted us, we intercepted a segment of a signal using the Milanko FM-113 antenna. If I am not mistaken, that was the combat situation in the An Star System"
All crew members! Begin evacuation of the ship. I hope you can return home safely. I, Captain Liu Hai of the Dalanus, will share the fate of the battleship
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The whole world wants to know where Ling Gulan is? Command the 47th Fleet's An En Expeditionary Force to execute the order unconditionally and advance rapidly towards the An En star system!" Ling Gulan smiled slightly: "With thousands of ships in the Fourth Fleet, do we really lack just these two light frigates?"
It is settled!
I suggest that we must immediately consult the Fourth Fleet and the theater command to obtain further orders and intelligence
Leng Jianchuan also agrees with this viewpoint: "Is it possible that it is a localized battlefield? Do we have the latest situation report?"
The imperial forces have now formed a tight encirclement around the An'en star system. According to what Yan Qingfeng heard, it was said: "Not even a needle can be inserted; unless you deploy a battleship fleet, you can forget about entering!"
The situation in the Anen star system can be described as a true disaster. The Fourth Fleet concentrated its main forces to launch an offensive against the Anton star system, attempting to engage in a major battle. However, the Empire deployed at least ten task forces, along with a complete air command, to conduct joint operations. The Fourth Fleet, which was at a complete disadvantage in terms of troop strength, barely managed to retreat to the Anen star system after abandoning nearly half of its vessels.
Captain Yang Liu, live and die with the Ice River!
There is no way! I have been to a military court before!
Although emergency repairs have been conducted, even an outsider like Lian Yanqingfeng understands that the seized Flying Dragon-class destroyer has only undergone basic battlefield repairs. The hull is severely damaged, rendering it incapable of any combat effectiveness. It is important to note that two-thirds of this destroyer's onboard weapons are completely inoperative, and nearly half of its armor has been destroyed.
She gazed at the distant starry sky, clenching her fists: "We have hundreds of our comrades here; I cannot allow you to charge at the enemy without purpose..."
He pointed out a location on the three-dimensional star map, and Ling Gulan immediately criticized: "You pointed it wrong, the An'en Galaxy is located in the lower left corner? What is going on?"
This statement is not exaggerated at all. The Anen Star System is now completely sealed off, with the Imperial forces deploying at least over 3,000 warships and tens of thousands of fighter jets. Given the strength of the Linggulan fleet, no matter from which direction they attempt to enter the Anen Star System, it would be akin to a meat bun thrown to a dog.
What is the situation of the dispatch team
Captain Fei died in battle here
Leng Jianchuan only served as a messenger: "The latest telegram indicates that the Fourth Fleet has issued a death order; it seems they are truly anxious!"
However, the maintenance costs of such a villa deter most people from pursuing it. A single villa often requires as many as twenty to thirty staff members, including maids, security personnel, and housekeepers, with monthly expenses reaching 100,000 Alliance Coins, which is sufficient to sustain a small company. In this era of rising human capital, only truly successful individuals can afford such luxury
Lei Yanping also confirmed this news indirectly through the relationship between Station Master Liu and Deputy Station Master Hu at Galaxy Communications. Now, she intends to break into the An'en Star System, but even with a dozen destroyers, it would not be feasible.
How far are we from the An'en Galaxy
Lin Gulan was not aware of the debates and negotiations behind this matter; he only received the final order after two conciliatory messages from the Fourth Fleet: "Order the Forty-Seventh Sub-Fleet to advance towards Landry immediately..."
The frigate Fengxue, crew members began to abandon ship, Captain Huang Wei, died in battle here
However, Lin Gulan already has a competent advisor in Ben Yina, and now Yan Qingfeng and Lei Yanping have even taken over the secretarial duties. He can be said to have nothing to do, but he must reiterate his point: "I have always been infinitely loyal to the Alliance, but the intelligence provided by Advisor Yan Qingfeng is extremely valuable. Our entire dispatch team consists of over 400 people, plus 300 from the Feilong, and nearly 300 captives, over 1,000 lives cannot be allowed to perish meaninglessly and without purpose"
Benina, however, questioned Ling Gulan's judgment: "It is not necessarily a complete defeat of the Fourth Fleet; it could be a localized battlefield loss. The intelligence we have is limited"
When the battle dialogue that once moved Yan Qingfeng and Lei Yanping was replayed, everyone felt a sense of shock. Lin Gulan clenched her fists and said to Yan Qingfeng: "Indeed, this is the intelligence regarding our forces' battle in the direction of the An'en Star System. They must have suffered heavy losses and been forced to retreat to the An'en Star System. This is part of the Fourth Fleet responsible for the cover..."
Yan Qingfeng unconsciously saluted Lin Gulan with a military gesture
The captain's quarters, filled with excitement from the great victory, was suddenly doused with cold water. Although the full extent of the battle was unclear, it was evident that the Allied forces had suffered a significant defeat. The loss of so many frigates and destroyers just to cover the main fleet's withdrawal from the battlefield raised serious concerns about the deteriorating situation in the Anwen system
Farewell, my brothers! The cruiser Ice River, commanded by Captain Tian Buxi, fell in battle here
Benyina once again pointed out on the three-dimensional star map: "According to the original plan, we have now reached the outskirts of the Anen star system. However, due to a slight delay caused by this skirmish, we received an urgent message from the Fourth Fleet two hours ago, urging us to advance towards the Anen star system immediately, without any excuses for delay"
The group of alliance officers and soldiers returning from the enemy camp provided significant assistance after gaining a preliminary understanding of the situation. Most of them were from the Fourth Fleet, originating from the An'en star system, and were familiar faces, quickly offering an overview of the battle conditions
Gufeng Lang is such a successful individual. This villa was a gift he received from his family when he was twenty years old. He often brings his favored companions here to spend a wonderful and picturesque weekend. However, this weekend, Young Master Gu's mood is not good
This dispatch team is remarkably small in scale, consisting of merely two light frigates and one fast supply ship. In a battle involving thousands of vessels, this can only be described as a drop in the ocean
The greater the pressure, the more composed Ling Gulan appears: "Alright! By the way, Yan Qingfeng and Yan Ping, see if you can lend a hand. Everyone, continue. I have already reported that we have discovered a fleet of Imperial Navy destroyers near the jump point. If we do not eliminate the enemy immediately, we are likely to be ambushed by the enemy during the transition..." Everyone, continue. I have already reported that we have discovered a fleet of Imperial Navy destroyers near the jump point. If we do not eliminate the enemy immediately, we are likely to be ambushed by the enemy during the transition..."
Milky Way Galaxy, Milky Way Star, Area B
However, everyone is well aware that Ling Gulan is bearing immense risks. In the event of any changes in the situation in the An'en Galaxy, Ling Gulan could truly find himself facing a military tribunal. Even Lin Chaofeng might not be able to withstand such pressure
The orders from Ling Gulan were immediately conveyed, and the An'en dispatch team, under the pretext of the remaining Imperial destroyers in the vicinity, launched a sweeping search in the star regions near the Milankov communication station. Meanwhile, the core members of this small fleet, including Yan Qingfeng, did their utmost to ascertain the actual situation on the An'en side
Benyina reported the data fluidly: "The morale of the troops is high, the emotions of the captives are stable, and the supplies are generally sufficient. However, in the recent battle, the consumption of ammunition and fuel was considerable. There is also one captured Flying Dragon-class destroyer available for use, but I believe it will not be of much use..."
Each villa exceeds 20,000 square meters, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a lakeside cabin, and a small hill behind the villa. Coupled with the greenery that is visible everywhere, this place has become the aspiration for all the residents of Tianhe.
That is a heartfelt form of respect